Resources available on meningococcal vaccine requirements for entering college students

posted 06.28.12

Before your adolescent patients head to college, they must be vaccinated against bacterial meningococcal disease. That’s according to a new law passed by the 82nd Texas Legislature.

It requires all entering college and university students—including first-time students, transfer students, or re-entering students who have had a break in enrollment of at least one semester—to show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination or a booster dose during the five-year period before enrolling.

There are some exceptions, including for students who are 30 years of age or older and fall outside of the risk group for bacterial meningitis or students enrolled online in online or distance learning courses.

Educate yourself, your staff, this patient population, and parents with new MCV4 educational materials available through the Texas Department of State Health Services. A one-page informational flyer is available for physicians (here) or for patients and parents (here).

For more information, go to www.CollegeVaccineRequirements.com or call the Texas Immunization Information Line at 1-800-252-9152.